A Prospective Analysis of Trash, Brush, and Grass Burning Behaviors

Abstract

Burn injuries sustained during residential trash, brush, and grass burning cause significant morbidity and mortality in rural areas. To further prevention efforts, we surveyed individuals who incurred injuries from residential burning. Thirty-six individuals injured while burning trash, brush, or grass from June 2003 through September 2005 were asked to respond to a self-administered written survey. Injury related questions revealed that the majority of those injured were burning brush (21 of 35, 60.0%) in an open space (19 of 35, 54.2%) with the addition of accelerants (27 of 36, 75%). Survey questions regarding usual burning practices revealed almost two-thirds burned either brush or a mixture of brush and trash (23 of 36, 63.9%). Eighty percent of those who were injured desired to change their behavior (25 of 35, 80%). Approximately two-thirds would consider asking for help with burning if it were provided (22 of 34, 64.7%). Our survey shows that acceptable alternatives to burning varied depending on the material that was burned. As the majority of respondents usually burned brush or a mixture of brush and trash, an acceptable trash removal system should also include brush pickup. As residential burning continues presently, injury prevention efforts are essential and should focus on the misuse of gasoline, uniform safety standards for gasoline cans, and dissemination of safe burning practices.

Pożary odpadów a narażenie strażaków na substancje toksyczne

“…Spalanie tworzyw sztucznych na wolnym powietrzu stanowi proces istotnie różny od spalania optymalizowanego, zachodzącego w warunkach kontrolowanych na przykład w spalarni odpadów -jako że zmiana choćby jednego z parametrów, jak dostarczenie tlenu w ilościach nadmiarowych, może krańcowo zmniejszyć ilość powstających cząstek stałych PM, zwłaszcza w przypadku tworzyw innych niż PVC 24 . Należy zaznaczyć, że wśród osób wypalających trawy, zarośla i odpady rośnie popularność używania przyspieszaczy zapłonu, zwykle paliw silnikowych; substancje te modyfikują skład chemiczny powstających dymów 25 .…”

Failure Analysis and Prevention of Fires and Explosions with Plastic Gasoline Containers

“…More frequently than not, when such events occur and are reported, they have resulted in injuries, usually serious to individuals nearby. Many such incidents have involved use of PPGCs containing locally purchased gasoline blends to assist in the ignition and burning of trash or building of bon-fires [3]. Other similar mishaps resulting in injuries are reported in the accident and fire incidence literature and in reports from Federal agencies [4].…”